Light run comes to Ringsend for the first time

THE annual Darkness Into Light event is coming to the south inner city for the first time this May.

The 5km walk/run is hosted every by Pieta House, Ireland’s leading mental health awareness and suicide prevention charity.

However, for the first time it will now also take place in Ringsend, having been organised by Jennifer Betts and Cllr Chris Andrews (SF) in the area.

“Cllr Andrews and I decided to host a local Darkness Into Light walk after a suggestion was made on social media,” said Ms Betts, the organiser of the event and a veteran Pieta House fundraiser.

“I have been fundraising for Pieta House for many years when I hosted three sumo wrestling tournaments and some coffee mornings.”

Ms Betts added: “To date, I’ve raised about €10,000 and Chris has always been a huge supporter of mental health work. Unfortunately, our community has been touched by suicide on many occasions.

“For me personally, I would like to contribute to addressing the stigma of suicide and self-harm. I want people to know that help is out there and that you are not alone.”

The committee has created a Facebook page and is looking for 150 volunteers to help with stewarding, t-shirt collection and event marshals between now and the morning itself. 

The 5km walk/run will cover Irishtown, Ringsend, Pearse Street and North Wall Quay. It will begin at Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club and the committee is currently finalising plans with Dublin City Council and the gardaí.

Ms Betts said that she hopes 2,000 to 3,000 people will register before the event at 4.15am on May 6.

It costs seniors, students and the unemployed €15 and adults €20 to participate in the event. Each will receive a yellow Darkness Into Light t-shirt and the event is free for children.

The Darkness Into Light walk/run will also take place in Malahide, Skerries, Bray and at the Phoenix Park.

REPORT: Andrew Ralph